Members of the media and public are invited to attend the official launch of the new Richland Police Department (RPD) brand identity. This launch will include a new design of the current RPD badge and patch.
When:
Thursday, March 23, 2023
10:00 a.m.
Where:
Richland City Hall Council Chambers
625 Swift Blvd.
Richland, WA 99352
“The RPD is excited to honor some of the greatest heroes in Richland’s history by incorporating their story into our new brand identity,” states Police Chief Brigit Clary. “Our officers will wear these emblems with pride, as we look forward to displaying them for years to come.”
Historical artifacts will also be on display with representatives from the Hanford History Project in attendance.
Media please arrive at 9:45.
The Richland Police Department has pledged to participate in the “National 30x30 Initiative”. This Pledge includes a series of actions policing agencies can take to improve the representation and experiences of women in law enforcement. This national initiative aims to improve public safety, community outcomes, and trust in law enforcement.
The Pledge is the foundational effort of the 30x30 Initiative – a coalition of police leaders, researchers, and professional organizations who have joined together to advance the representation and experiences of women in all ranks of policing across the United States. The 30x30 Initiative is affiliated with the Policing Project at NYU School of Law and the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE).
The ultimate goal of the 30x30 Initiative is to reach 30 percent of women in police recruit classes by 2030 and to ensure policing agencies are truly representative of the jurisdiction the agency serves. While 30x30 is focused on advancing women in policing, these principles are applicable to all demographic diversity, not just gender.
Richland Police Chief Brigit Clary says, “I am proud to announce the Richland Police Department’s participation in the 30x30 Initiative, which is aimed at increasing the representation and advancement of women in law enforcement. We believe that a highly qualified, diverse workforce not only benefits our department but also strengthens our relationship with the community we serve. By committing to this initiative, we hope to help create a more equitable and just law enforcement system for all.”
More than 275 agencies, from major metro departments including the New York City Police Department to mid-sized, rural, university, and state policing agencies have signed the 30x30 Pledge. The Pledge is based on social science research that greater representation of women on police forces leads to better policing outcomes for communities.
Currently, women make up only 12 percent of sworn officers and 3 percent of police leadership in the U.S. This underrepresentation of women in policing has significant public safety implications. Research suggests that women officers:
- Use less force and less excessive force
- Are named in fewer complaints and lawsuits
- Are perceived by communities as being more honest and compassionate
- See better outcomes for crime victims, especially in sexual assault cases
For more information, visit www.30x30initiative.org.
Richland residents are invited to get involved with their city government by serving on a board, commission or committee. Serving in this capacity gives citizens a voice that helps with advising City Council, long-range planning, reviewing and making recommendations on land use, art displays, rate changes, and more. Position openings include:
-Arts Commission
-Board of Adjustment
-Planning Commission
-Public Facilities District Board
-Utility Advisory Committee
Most Richland facilities will not open until 10:00 am Thursday, March 9, for an all-staff meeting. This includes City Hall, the Richland Community Center, the Richland Police Department's main office, the City Shops, and the Horn Rapids Landfill. Public Safety and emergency response services will continue as normal. Customers can pay their utility bill at www.ci.richland.wa.us/myutilities or use the dropbox at the west end of the City Hall parking lot.